DVD. Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes. Situated in the extreme north of Finland, Lake Inari, otherwise known as Inarinj?rvi, is a captivating place. Between June and October, the lake is navigable by local water busses and during the rest of the year, it is covered by ice. Measuring around 1,400 square kilometres, the extensive Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland. Despite the remoteness of this region, it is believed that the surroundings of Lake Inari were inhabited more than 2,000 years ago by the S?mi people. In the past, the S?mi populated vast areas of northern Europe but in recent centuries, they were more and more repressed. Since then, and still inhabiting their original settlement areas, the S?mi have become a minority. However, Lake Inari has retained its cultural importance right up to the present day. Wolves, elks and brown bears roam the remote surroundings of Lake Inari. They usually live some distance away from human settlements and compared with other countries in Scandinavia, these animals are seen only rarely in Finland. Lake Inari is one of Finland's most idyllic regions. Its tranquil atmosphere and remoteness highlight the remarkable character of this wonderful area.